Alabama added depth at what had been one of its thinnest positions during spring football as West Virginia TE Jack Sammarco, committed to the Crimson Tide out of the transfer portal.

The Alabama Crimson Tide made a major move to address one of the thinnest positions on their roster this spring. In a key development for a program in transition, tight end Jack Sammarco, formerly of West Virginia, officially announced his transfer commitment to Alabama. The decision offers the Crimson Tide much-needed depth and experience at a position that had emerged as a question mark during spring football.

As head coach Kalen DeBoer continues to mold the new era of Alabama football following the retirement of the legendary Nick Saban, acquisitions like Sammarco may prove to be the glue holding together a team undergoing significant change. This commitment is more than a simple roster move—it’s a strategic reinforcement that could have ripple effects across the offensive unit as the 2025 season approaches.

A Void at Tight End

Heading into spring practices, the tight end room in Tuscaloosa was notably light on both experience and proven production. With the departure of key veterans and an influx of younger, unproven talent, the coaching staff had voiced concerns internally about depth at the position. Spring drills highlighted that while the unit had potential, it lacked a battle-tested leader who could contribute immediately in both the passing game and blocking schemes.

That all changed with the arrival of Jack Sammarco, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound playmaker who brings a well-rounded skill set honed in the rugged Big 12. At West Virginia, Sammarco earned a reputation for being a reliable safety valve, a tenacious blocker, and a red-zone threat—all qualities that Alabama’s offense sorely needed to add to its arsenal.

Sammarco’s Track Record and Skill Set

During his time with the Mountaineers, Sammarco steadily evolved from a depth piece into a vital component of the offense. His 2024 campaign was by far his most productive, finishing the season with 38 receptions, 474 yards, and five touchdowns. More impressive than the raw numbers was the timing—many of his grabs came on third downs and critical situations, where his size and sure hands allowed him to out-muscle defenders and extend drives.

A natural fit for Alabama’s hybrid tight end usage, Sammarco offers versatility as both a traditional in-line blocker and a modern flex option who can shift into the slot or motion out wide. His combination of route-running precision, football IQ, and physical toughness gives the Crimson Tide a unique weapon in the passing game. But perhaps most importantly, his blocking has drawn rave reviews from analysts—an area where Alabama’s younger tight ends were still catching up.

Why Alabama Was the Right Fit

Though Sammarco had other options in the portal, sources indicate that his visit to Tuscaloosa sealed the deal. The promise of competing at the highest level of college football and the chance to contribute immediately to a national title contender made Alabama a perfect destination.

In speaking about his decision, Sammarco reportedly emphasized three things: the opportunity to develop under DeBoer’s staff, Alabama’s tradition of sending tight ends to the NFL, and the challenge of competing in the SEC, college football’s premier conference.

It’s worth noting that Alabama’s tight end history is rich with success. Players like O.J. Howard, Irv Smith Jr., and Cameron Latu all developed into NFL-ready talents, and Sammarco clearly saw that path as one he could follow. His move to the SEC also signals confidence—stepping into a more physical league with faster defenses, he’ll have the chance to prove himself weekly against top competition.

DeBoer’s Offensive Vision and Sammarco’s Role

Under Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s offense is undergoing a transformation. While it remains to be seen exactly how the scheme will evolve, DeBoer’s time at Washington provides a clear blueprint. His offenses used tight ends creatively—running option routes, H-back formations, and intermediate flood concepts that rely on tight ends reading coverage.

This approach will allow Sammarco to play a dynamic role—one that isn’t restricted to blocking on the edge or sitting in flat zones. Instead, he’ll likely be used in play-action packages, goal-line looks, and chunk-yardage scenarios, offering balance to an offense that must also break in a new starting quarterback.

The quarterback situation in Tuscaloosa is another reason Sammarco’s arrival matters. With former starter Jalen Milroe off to the NFL, Alabama is evaluating a new crop of QBs—including incoming transfers and underclassmen. For any young or new signal-caller, a reliable tight end can be a lifeline. Expect Sammarco to become that security blanket.

A Leadership Role in the Locker Room

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Sammarco brings something equally important to the Tide: maturity.

As a seasoned graduate transfer, he has already played through highs and lows, battled against elite competition, and developed a workmanlike approach to football. Alabama’s roster is loaded with young talent, but leadership from players like Sammarco will be critical in maintaining the culture of accountability and professionalism that defined the Saban era.

Inside the locker room, Sammarco’s leadership is already being felt, according to team insiders. He’s stepped up during early spring walkthroughs and team meetings, using his voice to encourage and guide younger players. That influence will become even more crucial as the pressure ramps up during fall camp.

Fanbase and Media Reactions

The news of Sammarco’s transfer was met with enthusiasm by the Alabama fanbase, many of whom had been clamoring for portal reinforcements at tight end. Social media buzzed with highlights from his West Virginia days, and speculation immediately began over how he would be used in DeBoer’s offense.

On talk shows and sports media outlets across the South, analysts praised the move as a “home run” for the Crimson Tide, with many pointing out that it filled perhaps the most glaring weakness on an otherwise loaded roster.

“You can’t overstate how important this pickup is for Alabama,” said SEC analyst Jake Rowe. “Jack Sammarco isn’t just a body. He’s a legit threat who can help this offense in every area, and his leadership could be just as valuable.”

What Comes Next

With summer conditioning and workouts ahead, Sammarco now faces the challenge of earning a starting spot and learning Alabama’s system quickly. But if his performance at West Virginia and early reviews in Tuscaloosa are any indication, he’s poised to do both with confidence.

Barring injury, expect him to be on the field early and often in Alabama’s opener. Whether he’s hauling in red-zone touchdowns, setting the edge for a power run, or leading film sessions in the tight end room, Sammarco is positioned to make a meaningful impact this fall.

Final Thoughts

Jack Sammarco’s decision to join Alabama from West Virginia is more than a personnel move—it’s a calculated investment by the Crimson Tide in a player who can contribute immediately while embodying the grit and toughness associated with the program’s identity.

In a year marked by transition and new beginnings, his presence provides a sense of continuity. He’s a reminder that, even as Alabama evolves, its commitment to excellence—on and off the field—remains unchanged.

With the SEC gauntlet ahead and national title ambitions in full view, the Crimson Tide just got a little stronger. And for Jack Sammarco, the biggest stage in college football awaits.